Morrow Marvels Lions in Weekend Sweep
TAMPA, Fla.-The No. 21 University of Tampa softball team swept Saint Leo University on Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 fashion in both games. The Spartans advance to 10-3, 4-2 in the Sunshine State Conference while the Lions fall to an even 10-10, 0-3 in conference.
Starting pitcher Julia Morrow tossed 11 strikeouts allowing only two hits in the opening game. Her record improves to 6-1 for the season. Kayla Cox pitched five complete innings with six strikeouts in game two. Morrow entered the circle in the sixth inning to pick up her first save of the season adding three Ks to today's total of 14.
Game one came down to the bottom of the seventh for the Spartans with the bases loaded after Saint Leo pitcher Alana Tabel's intentional walk of Alyssa Colletti. With Jenna Halper up to bat, a wild pitch allowed Katlyn Raatz to make it home ending the game.
Tampa started off the premier inning with runner Kayleen Boatright brought home by Bree Setree to put the team on the board early. Meagan Burke singled to advance Boatwright around the bases with Setree to bring her home.
The Lions evened up the score at one in the sixth when McKenzie Burns doubled then reached home on an error. The Spartans overcame the run, scoring in the seventh to claim the victory.
The Spartans got off to a slow start in the second game until the fourth inning bringing in two runners but without any hits. Both Raatz and Lindsay Dring made it home on consecutive Lion errors giving the Spartans the runs they needed to claim the lead.
Saint Leo showed life in the sixth inning when Adriana Sanders slugged a triple to right field. She later advanced home on an error sparking Tampa's defense to step up to the occasion.
The Spartans overcame the run and kept the Lions at bay to secure the victory.
Tampa returns to action on Thurs., Mar. 6 at 6 p.m. to host Dominican, N.Y. in a double header at Naimoli Family Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Live stats will be available at www.tampa.statbroadcast.com.
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